02 March 2024 , 22:20
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Jos Verstappen, the father of reigning Formula 1 world champion Max, has warned the Red Bull Formula 1 team they risk being "torn apart" if Christian Horner remains in his position.
Verstappen Snr's comments come after Horner was cleared of wrongdoing following an internal investigation. The Red Bull chief denied the allegations, and has reiterated his denials since. But the situation has taken another twist following damning comments from the Dutchman, whose son has won three world titles with Red Bull.
"There is tension here while he remains in position," the elder Verstappen told The Mail. "The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can't go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems."
Verstappen Snr has also denied claims he has launched a campaign to get Horner out. "That wouldn't make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?" he added.
Red Bull confirmed on Wednesday that the allegations facing Horner had been dismissed. "The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed," a statement read. "The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.
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"The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned. Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards."
Horner issued a statement of his own on Thursday evening, less than 48 hours before the first grand prix of the 2024 season. That race, in Bahrain, was won by Max Verstappen, with his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez finishing second.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix, with team-mate Sergio Perez second (AFP via Getty Images)"I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations," Horner's Thursday statement read. "I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.
"It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister, and it has concluded dismissing the complaint made. I remain fully focused on the start of the season."
After his team's one-two, Horner told Sky the team was "absolutely" united. "We are a very strong team. We have got tremendous support, tremendous partners and great shareholders behind us as well. You don't achieve this kind of result by not being united," he said.
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